Sometimes you need to just ‘lose’ yourself in nature to fully appreciate just how beautiful and diverse Mother Nature really is. This does not mean you view pretty vistas from afar or just drive by and take that cool selfie amidst a stunning backdrop, but rather really explore a place and get a feel of what it is like to be totally awed by the world we live in. The Anawilundawa Sanctuary is one such site in Sri Lanka where you can discover the wonders of nature.
One of Sri Lanka’s Ramsar designated wetlands, the Anawilundawa Sanctuary can be found along the coast near the Negombo – Puttalam railway line. A convenient way to visit this site would be to base yourself at a Chilaw beach hotel and plan an excursion here. Anantaya Resort & Spa Chilaw is an accommodation option worth considering in this regard.
A paradise for birds and bird watchers alike, this wetland ecosystem consists of manmade tanks that actually date back to the 12th century. They have helped create the perfect environment for life to thrive amidst a diverse ecosystem that features canals, salt marshland, mangroves, grasslands that are seasonally flooded, sand dunes and paddy fields. What this means is that apart from the wealth of indigenous and migratory bird species, this sanctuary is also home to various mammals, amphibians, reptiles and fish too.
Birds in particular are a highlight of Anawilundawa and the period between November and January is a particularly good time to visit since one can see migratory species such as the Pintail Duck and the Garganey. The Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl is an endemic bird species that can be spotted here, though keep your eye peeled for other species that frequent the wetlands including cormorants, woodpeckers, owls, sandpipers and herons. On your adventures you also have a chance to see the toque monkey, the Indian otter, Sri Lanka wood frog and star tortoise, making an outing here one that will truly help you appreciate all Mother Nature has to offer.
